MCOCA Invoked Against Five Accused in Firing at Filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Mumbai Residence
The Mumbai police have taken a stringent legal step by invoking charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against five individuals accused of firing at the Juhu home of renowned filmmaker Rohit Shetty. This development follows a special court's decision to remand the accused into further police custody until February 17, as authorities intensify their probe into what they describe as a conspiracy orchestrated by an organised crime syndicate.
Police Allege Conspiracy by Organised Crime Syndicate
In court proceedings, the police presented evidence suggesting that the firing incident was not an isolated act but part of a broader conspiracy by an organised crime syndicate. The MCOCA, a law designed to combat such syndicates that commit offences for pecuniary gains, was invoked to address the severity of the case. According to police statements, the accused aimed to create terror in Mumbai, highlighting the potential threat to public safety.
The police sought an additional two weeks of custody for the five accused, emphasizing the need to investigate their connections and the whereabouts of an absconding suspect, Shubham Lonkar. This request underscores the complexity of the case, with authorities linking it to other criminal activities, including the Baba Siddique murder case.
Court Grants Custody Extension Amid Legal Arguments
During the hearing, the lawyer for the accused, Ajinkya Mirgal, contested the police's request, arguing that no new grounds were provided to justify further custody. However, the court ruled in favor of the police, granting the custody extension. The court noted that sufficient time is necessary for a thorough investigation, describing the case as potentially "the tip of the iceberg", indicating deeper criminal networks at play.
Details of the Accused and Ongoing Investigation
The five individuals facing MCOCA charges have been identified as Siddharth Yenpure (20), Samarth Pomaji (18), Swapnil Sakat (23), Asaram Fasale (27), and Aaditya Gayaki (19). Their involvement in the firing incident has raised concerns about organised crime activities in Mumbai, prompting a rigorous police response.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are focusing on uncovering the full extent of the syndicate's operations and any possible links to other criminal cases. The invocation of MCOCA reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this incident, aiming to dismantle organised crime elements and ensure public security in the city.
